Found this channel that's breaking down each group leading up to the start of the WC. They're doing two at a time so this is C and D - Enjoy!
Ha ha think I'm the only one who has predicted Saudi Arabia to cause an upset Unlikely but we'll see....
As I mentioned in another thread, unfortunately the schedule doesn't favor them. If the Argentina game ends in a goleada, it's basically over for Saudi. Because I don't think Argentina is going to win to Mexico & Poland by more than 2 goals of difference each, maybe 3 but even so I find that unlikely. Trying to catch up on points to other teams is a really difficult game, where only a really low percentage teams have made it.
I'm wondering if they could have a similar tournament in Russia, but with slightly better results. A heavy defeat against Argentina in their opening match, but if they can get an improved performance and perhaps a draw against Poland, that could set them up for a shock win against Mexico, a similar pattern as 2018. One thing to consider is that Saudi Arabia are the 3rd highest buyers of tickets. However, unlike Qatar and UAE, most of their ticket holders will be locals and passionately support their team, making Saudi kind of the unofficial 2nd-home team of this tournament. Also other Arab fans here could get behind them. I wound up getting Poland vs Saudi match which I'm quite keen on attending. Saudi Arabia don't travel well but at home they are always dangerous so I'm curious to see what the atmosphere will be like at their games....
One thing that can help Saudi Arabia is their fans coming in droves. Usually Mexico and Argentina have good support in the stands but looking at the ticket sales it seems like the Saudis have done a better job this time arond. Mexicanos and Argentinos may feel like playing on the road against them which can make things a bit more interesting that initially thought of.
Even if there were 5k argentinians and 40k saudi arabians, you'd hear the argentinians cheering louder most of the game.
If Saudi Arabia are ever going to advance from the group stage in the foreseeable future, it is in a World Cup held in the Middle East, with a two-time international tournament champion coach, in the same group as the lowest-rated Mexican side in a long time, and arguably the weakest qualified European team with a proneness to underachieve in tournaments. If you want the prediction bragging rights later, this is the time to "gamble" on them.
I thought they would tie because of their fan support but actually win? This Group just got crazy. Biggest upset in the modern game in my opinion.
My couple of takes in this group: Like most of you, the first game took me by surprise, I knew Saudi was going to be tough to break but didn't expect them to actually win. Cheers for the first big upset of the tournament. Saudi Arabia looked like the team that I thought Iran would be. Argentina looked really uncreative, especially in the second half. I was actually entertained watching Mexico v Poland, but I don't think either of those teams are particularly good, I would give the slight edge to Mexico tho. Will Argentina manage to come back in this group? Hard to say tbh, It depends on how mentally strong they are. This was the game they least expected to lose, so it has to be a massive shock for them. Most Argentines have been mocking Mexico since the draw was made, and now Mexico has finally the golden opportunity to get revenge on Argentina for previous world cups... Right now, I see a draw as the most likely scenario on Saturday, but it depends on which Argentina shows up. If they show uninspired like today, well I don't know what else to think. Don't really see Mexico winning this game, but weirder things have happened literally today Latin American Twitter is going to have a field day on Saturday, whatever it happens.
I am watching the replay on FOX in English in the USA and the commentator said the loudest the stadium was when Saudi Arabia scored. (Just sayin')
Yeah no shit, it's the biggest emotion of their lives while for argentinian fans one of the most shocking events they witnessed.
I predict Argentina will play marginally better than the other day but not enough to put the game away early and end up taking some crappy sudden goal against the run of play due to a Paredes/De Paul mistake. 1-1 final result.
Argentina will find a way to get three points against the Mexicanos. Lautaro will stay onside this game.